Nigerian singer Peter Okoye has testified before a Federal High Court in Lagos, stating that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from France-based music rights organisation SACEM for songs recorded by P-Square. He claimed the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye. Peter denied that Jude Okoye was entitled to the royalties, saying Jude was not a member of P-Square.
Peter Okoye made the disclosure while giving virtual testimony before Justice Alexander Owoeye. He was being cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel for his brother, Jude Okoye. SACEM collects and distributes royalties to songwriters, composers, and music publishers. Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million.
During the proceedings, Peter was asked about his earlier claim that Jude took more than three months to provide P-Square’s royalty records after he requested them in 2022. Peter maintained that he had sought the documents earlier that year but admitted he could not produce a text message, email, or other evidence showing that he made the request before October 16, 2022.
Peter confirmed that he eventually received the royalty statement from Jude, covering payments from 2016 to 2022, including royalties associated with Lex Records. He explained that he had requested the records because some people were interested in purchasing P-Square’s music catalogue. Peter also confirmed that Jude sent him the account details in 2022 and that the EFCC was aware the documents had been forwarded to him.
The singer rejected Jude’s claim to a share of the SACEM royalties, maintaining that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye. Asked about the SACEM agreement, which was signed by Jude rather than Peter or Paul, he said it had been signed by “the team” but insisted Jude was not part of that team.
Peter confirmed that the 10 songs which generated the SACEM royalties were recorded by P-Square. He said he had previously given Jude 25 per cent of his SACEM earnings but denied that his brother later demanded quarterly payments after the royalties were reconciled in 2022. When questioned about receiving approximately $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter confirmed that he had received the money.
The court adjourned the case until December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearing. Jude and Northside Music Limited are facing a seven-count EFCC charge over alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Peter maintained that he and Paul wrote, composed, and produced the group’s songs, while Jude directed some music videos.
Key points
- Peter Okoye received over $800,000 in SACEM royalties for P-Square songs.
- Peter denied Jude Okoye's entitlement to the royalties, saying Jude was not a member of P-Square.
- The court adjourned the case until December 8 and 9, 2026.
